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Author: lwidmer

Why Good Ideas Don’t Take Off

Posted on June 20, 2011 by lwidmer

Because of our technical issues with PayPal last week, Anne and I have extended the deadline for our early registration discount. Sign up for our teleclass today and pay only $44.49. Sign up link is to your left. I had an interesting conversation not long ago with a potential client. They have a great product,…

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Moronic Techno Moves

Posted on June 17, 2011 by lwidmer

What a great Twitter chat yesterday! Thanks to everyone who participated. The questions were great and the camaraderie was amazing. Yes, we plan to do it weekly. As soon as we manage through when, we’ll keep you posted. Follow along with the #writingsquared tag. Know that Webinar Anne and I are hosting? Well, for about…

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If It Didn’t Work With Huffington….

Posted on June 16, 2011 by lwidmer

Don’t forget to stop by Twitter today at 9 am PT/Noon ET for Anne’s and my free tweet-up chat. Using whatever Twitter reader you have, create a new column (I use TweetDeck) and use the #writingsquared hashtag to participate and post. Easy peasy. I received an “offer” in email a few days ago. Instead of…

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The World’s Worst Freelance Advice

Posted on June 15, 2011 by lwidmer

Don’t forget to register before the end of day tomorrow for Anne and my Webinar, Writers! Unlock Your Hidden Profit Potential. You’ll save nearly six bucks by doing so…. Plus you get a ton of freebies worth more than you’ll pay for the entire Webinar (I added them up – the five freebies are worth…

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The Career-Killing Blame Game

Posted on June 14, 2011 by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Loved One by Evelyn WaughWhat’s on the iPod: Tenth Avenue Freezeout by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Quick note: Anne Wayman and I will be hosting a free Twitter “tweet up” this Thursday at 9 am PT/ noon ET. To join us, just use the #writingsquared hashtag and follow…

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Pumping It Up

Posted on June 13, 2011 by lwidmer

I’m thrilled to announce that I have partnered with super freelancer Anne Wayman to bring you something I’m really excited about – our joint Webinar, Writers! Uncover Your Hidden Profit Potential! Ooo, you’re going to like this one. This one hour Webinar will teach you how to: – Know exactly what you really want from…

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If Weekends Were Idle and Work Weeks Were Busy…

Posted on June 13, 2011 by lwidmer

It’s happened again. I’ve come back to the work week happy for the break in activity. The stepdaughter came for a three-day visit, so we were happily preoccupied from Friday through yesterday. We had time to work in the garden, though. It was wet at times and warm – high 70s – but the humidity…

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Three Questions for You

Posted on June 10, 2011 by lwidmer

I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had the chance to team with some amazing writers to try helping other writers get a leg up in their careers. First, I was honored to partner with Devon Ellington on what turned out to be a superb Webinar/forum (and we do hope to repeat it). And now it’s happening…

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Good Advice All Around

Posted on June 10, 2011 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: King of Diamonds by Motopony HOT day yesterday. 102 according to my car’s thermometer. Really? This isn’t Phoenix, it’s Phoenixville. So what gives? In fact, Phoenix doesn’t have the 90-percent humidity that makes everything so much more unbearable. Just that blazing brightness and microwaved-alive feeling. Phoenixville is just hot and dripping….

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The Client Interview

Posted on June 9, 2011 by lwidmer

I mentioned the other day I had a call on a project from a potential new client. It’s not going to work this time, but mainly because her budget is tight and she’s hoping to spend where it makes the most sense. In my opinion, the project she outlined was critical, but I’ll let her…

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  1. Damsel Avatar
    Damsel
    June 9, 2011

    I needed this! Thank you so much. I've sketched something similar, but yours is much better… of course. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Lori Avatar
    Lori
    June 9, 2011

    Damsel, I wouldn't say better – just different. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Devon Ellington Avatar
    Devon Ellington
    June 9, 2011

    I also ask what audience they've targeted in the past, and how they want to enlarge that audience.

    Reply
  4. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley
    June 9, 2011

    I also ask what types of projects they'd like to work on in the future. That gives me a good hint about where they're trying to go with the business, but that's kind of covered in your question about the company's overall growth strategy.

    What sort of answers have you gotten for Question 10? I imagine that could be all over the board. How does the answer you get help you formulate the writing for the client?

    Reply
  5. Lori Avatar
    Lori
    June 9, 2011

    Good question, Devon. Sometimes they've tried what you're about to suggest, which can make them think you're dipping out of the same stale writing well.

    Ashley another great suggestion, for it allows you to give them some new ideas, like a blog, an enewsletter, a print newsletter….

    Reply
  6. Cathy Miller Avatar
    Cathy Miller
    June 9, 2011

    Great questions, Lori. I always ask who the ideal reader would be for the specific marketing piece (as it can be different depending on the piece).

    Love these. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Paula Avatar
    Paula
    June 9, 2011

    Devon beat me to it. Knowing what type of audience they want to reach – consumer (also ask their target demographic), trade, b2b – can make a big difference in tone and approach.

    Turning the tables, Lori: what's the best question a potential client has asked you?

    Reply
  8. Lori Avatar
    Lori
    June 9, 2011

    Good one, Cathy!

    Paula, the best question? I like the ones that are collaborative, so I think the best question was "What are your thoughts on this type of copy versus what we have there?"

    It creates an atmosphere of brainstorming. To me, that's the best question because we're now a team, not just client/writer.

    Reply
  9. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy
    June 9, 2011

    I like to know as much about their expectations in business as possible. Do you find some that act like it's a huge secret and don't want to give you much?

    Reply
  10. Lori Avatar
    Lori
    June 9, 2011

    Wendy, I've had one do that. One. He wouldn't even tell me his name! What is that? But most have been very open, and I've been able to calm any jitters by offering a NDA.

    Reply
  11. Wade Finnegan Avatar
    Wade Finnegan
    June 10, 2011

    Lori I'm going to "borrow" those questions. Do you change your approach when you have familiarity with the client? I would think a collaborative relationship is the goal, but most of the time the client will dictate.

    Reply
  12. Lori Avatar
    Lori
    June 10, 2011

    Wade, just steal 'em outright. It's why I put them here. 🙂

    I do change the approach, yes. Some of the questions are the same, but once I know the client and am tuned in to their "vibe" I can get more detailed with the questions.

    You're right – the client does in most cases dictate. That's fine too, but I like to send even the subliminal message that I'm on their side and am willing to be a strong partner.

    Reply
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